Starting chemo August 2014
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Hope you feel better soon. Be sure and keep your MO in the loop. I hate this being sick stuff too!
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Nurseshark, congrats to you and your hubby! Levi is just adorable! A blessed gift from God! Love the hat! This honorary Auntie is so happy and thrilled -- Levi was born on my birthday! Woot Woot!
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Bippy, so glad that you had wonderful weekend and able to get away and think about something else.
Hope50, glad that the rads are going well with minimal side affects. Thanks for sharing the insight from your MO. It seems that the further I get into chemo, I have more days where I wake up with anxiety and say oh no "Breast Cancer". Right now my MO is talking Tomaxifin (sp?) for hormonal therapy but we will decide as we get closer to the end of rads. Also decision on if I will have a full hysterectomy since I don't plan on having any more babies . I also like that I can have a good conversation with my MO from a technical level and also just how I am doing. I really like my MO and I have to have someone I can relate too, which I discussed with her, my BS and the team of doctor's that assited in pairing me with my current MO.
StrongEnough,15 out of 35 rads already! Why that was fast. I need to start taking pictures of my hair to see the "progress" as it seems I am getting more fuzz
. But now seems like my eyebrows are thinning and now my lower eyelashes are gone! go figure.Shirely and Cassie, I tried the omeprazole it helped but not as much as I would have liked. I finally got a prescription dose of pepcid, which is doing wonders and is probably why I can now eat.
Kellog, hope you get well soon! Especially in time for your next chemo. Blame it on chemo brain, but I think you had 12 Taxols, right? Or did you have the dense dose schedule? Are rads next?
Eileen, I have that feeling in my esophagus like something is stuck there and it hurts to swallow, the pepcid helps by forcing me to "burp" I also take the liquid antacid to sooth the throat/esophgus and it last for a while but comes back. I am going to reach out to my MO this week as it isn't gettting any worse, but isn't getting any better either. Seems to hurt more when I air/gas is building up right before the "blech". Is this similar to what you are feeling? My taste buds are getting better also and not as off as they use to be. I drink an ensure ever day to get protein as meat still doesn't settle right.
#3 of 12 finished, biggest SE is fatigue. Seems I feel better the two days after chemo than the two days before chemo. Just need to follow-up with MO on the pain when swallowing and seems to radiate to my back when the air/gas builds up right before I burp. Nails are turning purple but not tender at all. I do ice during treatment and I also put tea tree oil on the nails at least 3 times a week. I have not slept as much with this treatment as with the last but my worst days were Monday and Tuesday.
Hugs to all!
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thanks justamy. This sick stuff is horrible. My MO is in the loop, I was there Friday and they ran my WBC and did a chest X-ray. All good. He gave me strict orders to stay home and rest and call tues if I'm not better. I just need to hang in for this Fridays treatment and my last one in two weeks. Easier said then done!
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kellogg, do feel better! Hope you can do it Friday.
Gatomal, hope the taxol alone is better.
Eileen and ladyb, that throat crawly feeling is so annoying, I had it a few times in my life. Hoping it goes away soon!
Cassie, how was the practice for your daughter?
Feeling good this morning, going into LAST CHEMO preps, and have asked for Emend this round for my persistent a-hole friend nausea. So can eat like a normal human being till Friday, tonight is taco truck night! Going to clean the whole house, stock up on edible food, and enjoy feeling decent.
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Bippy, glad the camping was fun overall. It sounds like just the thing to get away for all of this for a little while! I'm struggling a little bit too with being "up" and positive. I am starting to think it's a normal part of the journey. My DH and DD have been so patient with me. I don't know if I could be half as good to them as they have been to me. I feel fortunate. As for my MO, I'm not sure what I'll do, but I don't want this guy in my life for the next 40 years! But I'm two infusions away from moving to Herceptin only, so I don't want to upset the apple cart just yet. Rehearsal was beautiful. I almost didn't make it in, as I had a sore throat, but I caught the last hour or so. I got to see my daughter run a few things, including Sugar Plum Fairy's variation, and she just transforms when she's dancing. I'm completely biased of course, but she was beautiful.
Thank you for asking. LAST CHEMO! Yahoo for you!!!Gatomal, how many taxols will you do altogether?
Kellogg, I'm so sorry to hear you've been sick. Lots of healing thoughts coming your way!!!
Angie, yay for some fuzz growing in! I too seem to be still losing eyebrows and eyelashes. Ugh. I'm glad the Rx dose of pepcid is working for you. What does the tea tree oil do for fingernails?
I'm feeling better mentally this morning than I have in a while. Went to a memorial service for a friend's partner last night, and then a birthday dinner celebration. It was a lot of emotion but it felt good to be connected to people in real, meaningful ways. Got me out of my own crap for a few hours. I'm taking Hope for a walk at the beach today and then tidying up so a free housecleaning service can come for two hours tomorrow. I've never had my house professionally cleaned before.
Here's to a good day for all of us. Hope baby Levi and Mom are resting comfortably at home.
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hoping mom and Levi are feeling elated and doing well!
Seems most of us are doing better with the SEs, or learning to deal with them anyways.
Ugh, colds! Just what you need...not! Hope you feel better soon!
Little getaways...it's the little things that keep you going, even if you can't do all you use to, it's still enjoyable.
Cassiecat, I have someone come every two weeks, wierd. They don't clean like I do, but at least it's done. Wish mine was free, lol
Those finishing up chemo, I'm so excited for you!!
Those starting radiation, good luck with the next phase. I've been reading the fall 2014 forum and getting info.
I went for what was to be round 4 of taxol but my Nutrafils were too low again so it was a no go. I go back wednesday, Thursday and Friday for neupogen shots. Hopefully next Monday will be round 4! I wish this would stop happening. I will ask next Monday if I just need to be having a shot or two each week to keep it elevated. Anyone have that done?
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I get nuelasta after every chemo. They weren't going to do it w taxotere but the first time they didn't my nutrophils went from 24 million to 700 in less than a week and I ended up in the hospital. I would definitely ask because you got to get this chemo done somehow and if you can't do it so shots, they should give them to you. Hope your levels get up soon. Hugs Amy
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Just catching up on all the posts. Lots going on. Got home early from work, so making a big pot of chicken soup. I am gearing up for final chemo on Friday. Tmrw is my Bday, so it's a final chemo Bday present to me. Lol
I spent an hour with 2 of my neighbors last night to say good bye for the winter. One of them heads down to Florida from Nov - May. They really got on my nerves. Everyone is an expert, but really are clueless. Why can't I drink, her friend drinks during his chemo. Why dietary restrictions? My friend never got that sick. I wanted to smash her in the head. Couldn't wait to leave. I don't think I will be in contact with this neighbor for a while. People have no idea if they haven't experienced it first hand. On the other hand, my family and close friends have been beyond supportive. As Cassie indicated, I really wonder if I would be so patient if reversed????
LadyB - glad you are enjoying food again.
Kellogg - really hope you feel strong enough for next treatment.
Everyone - wishing you all manageable and minimal SEs.
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Catie57. Oh My !!! I hope your neighbors are not moving near me in Florida. I do not need anymore advise. Unless you have done chemo you HAVE NO IDEAL HOW MUCH LIFE SUCKS!! If one more person tells me to buy a Nutribite I think I will scream. Everything I eat taste horrible. I am not drinking spinach. Happy Birthday.
A friend from where I live in the summer emailed me the other day. Her email was camparing chemo in Florida to spending time at a expensive spa. Was I having fun and enjoying my life. How would I rate the place I was staying. She hopes I was enjoying my tiime in my compfy clothes. Sitting by the pool sipping margaritas and getting mani./pedis. IDIOT. I am putting as much distance between me and her as I can get.
I now have 2 weeks off until last CHEMO. YEAH. Made it to round 6. Then radiation for 7 weeks, 2 weeks later. That has to be easier then this. I hope I get my taste again. Lost 3 lbs since last week at MO. All water weight. I feel so much better. I can see my ankles.
Justamy=I get Nuelasta after every dose of taxotere. My white count has always been ok. Good luck
Nurseshark Hope you enjoying your new baby!!!!
Kellya+Good luck Wednesday.
Cassiecat= I wonder how my boyfriend puts up with me. He is SO SWEET. I don't think I would ever be that nice. I am amazed at the people around me. Good luck in deciding what to do with your MO.
Bippy=Good luck with last chemo. Tacos sound great Yet whenever I eat anything other than eggs. I get the BIG D. My throat is better. Still have those horrible tatse buds.
Wishing everyone good luck and MInimal to lets say zero SE.
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NurseShark and Levi, thinking of you and hope you are settling in.
Kellog, how are you doing? Praying that you are well enough for your treatment on Friday.
Cassie, I have someone come every week a gift from my husband and friends. I am OCD so they don't clean as like me but it is such a big help and I have learned to let go of a few things. I put tea tree oil on my nails as it help fight off any infection. My nails are turning purple and I wanted to get ahead of any infection that may try to set in or lifting of the nails.
Kellya, thinking of you and praying that have a go for your next treatment.I have #4 on Wednesday too so hoping my counts are good enough for a go. Especially since the moved me to Thursday last week and back to Wednesday this week so only 5 days between treatment instead of the normal 6 this week.
Catie, Woot! Woot! on approaching your final chemo. Happy Birthday tomorrow, we are not to far apart, mine was last Friday.
Bippy, Alrighty! Happy dance for you approaching your final chemo!
I go for my blood test tomorrow and hoping all is ok and then treatment #4 of 12 on Wednesday.
Hugs to All and wishing everyone manageable and minimal SEs.
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Well today was day 4 after taxatore and I felt pretty good all day. Then it hit. Big D, nausea, killer bone pain and headache. I'm hoping it is all just chemo sickness and not infection. Feels about the same as last time w I ended up in the hospital but who knows....I just want to be done w this already...
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Eileen, your post was hilarious! What is wrong with people? Dontcha want to hold them down and give them just one delicious infusion?! It makes me want to hit them on your behalf, you too Catie. Yes please, I hope they do not come near me in Fla.
Today it is chilly here so off to the grocery I go, gearin up for baking a few goodies. I will freeze some soup also in case my awful house guest nausea returns, as I cannot even look at food then. This way DH can eat something decent. I am getting a good bottle of red wine too, yeeeeaaahhhhhhhh to celebrate LAST CHEMO.
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ladyb, good luck wednesday, I sure hope your counts are good!!
Justamy, I sure hope it is the chemo and not an effect ion, and I hope it goes away soon! I sure understand how you feel about wanting this to all be behind us!
What kind of soup are you making? I can't wait to pop that wine open in January, but hoping it won't become February! Ugh!!!
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Happy birthday Catie57!
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Catie, came on early just to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you are enjoying your birthday gift to you -- chicken soup sounds delicious. We are sitting at the table virtually with you eating our soup and singing Happy Birthday to ya, Happy Birthday (in our Stevie Wonder voices).
Hope you have an awesome day today!
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Happy Birthday Catie!!
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Happy Birthday Catie!!!
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Catie, happy birthday!!!
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Catie Happy Birthday!!
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Angie did we miss your birthday last Friday? Chemo is messing up my brain! Happy belated birthday!
I'm kind of a mess today. Please tell me that I am not the only one still bursting into tears. I want to be positive and make the most of the good days, but my emotions are all over the place. 2 more days until #5, and then just one more after that.
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Hello all. I've been missing for a while -- just discovered that last week's post mysteriously vanished.
My onc decided to stop the chemo after 4 treatments, as I was having a very rough time of it. After the last treatment I got neupogen shots for a week -- but I had to go the family medicine site to get them -- so I came away with a bad cold that I still haven't shaken three weeks later. Then my beloved dog died. I feel terrible that I was so feeble when he had his last illness, but when we thought he'd pull through for a little while longer -- he was gone.
I'm a week away from my first Herceptin only infusion, and it looks like I will have a week or two before radiation begins in December. I will stay on this board, and hope to join many of you on the rad forum.
Marilyn
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Marilyn, so sorry to hear about your cute pup, it is so very hard to lose them, such a part of the family.
Sorry you've also had such a rough go. Hope you do better with the next infusion!!
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What a nice surprise coming onto sight and seeing all the Birthday wishes! Thank you all.... It's Catie58 now lol
LadyB - Happy belated Bday to you. I will be thinking of you tmrw and wishing you a good week ahead
Cassiecat - I am also a little down this past week. I think it's perfectly normal considering the SEs are a constant reminder of what we are going thru at this time. We have to keep telling ourselves this is a temporary situation and we will be survivors when it's all done. We are getting closer to the end. Hang in there! We are strong and can do this. Still sucks.....
Mullerin - So sorry for your loss. Beautiful dog.
I developed a UTI so ran over to open door clinic and got some antibiotics. Always something. Going for my blood work tmrw and starting steroids on Thurs. My sister and daughter are coming with me for last chemo infusion on Friday.
Wishing everyone minimal SEs.
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Marilyn, I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are a part of the family, and it's so hard to lose them.
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Marilyn, I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet dog. It is an awful blow when such a beloved pet dies. Sorry you've had such a rough time with chemo and now the cold. Herceptin should be easy on you. I'm starting rads on 12/1. There is a Winter Rads group that is getting pretty active so hope you'll join.
Thinking of everyone. Happy Birthdays to LadyB and Catie! Congratulations to all who are finishing soon!
Amy, hope you're feeling better. No hospital this time!
Bippy, I got a vicarious thrill from your getaway! So glad you got a break. And, yay, you're finishing!
Catie, those neighbors sound so obnoxious! I hate people who think they are experts at things they know nothing about like this rotten BC experience. Makes me glad most of my neighbors don't know about me. I've been so lucky that people haven't said a lot of foolish or mean things to me. I do continue to get the same questions from my parents though like "If they got the cancer out with surgery why do you need chemo and radiation. I've explained it at least a dozen times and I'm sure I'll do it again!
Eileen, I'm still trying to wrap my brain around someone comparing chemo to a luxurious life at the spa! Holy crap, don't people actually HEAR what comes out of their mouths?
I developed in infection in my BC breast on Friday and have been on antibiotics since Saturday. They think it is cellulitis but I'll see the BS for followup on Thursday. It is quite painful and really knocked me out over the weekend with chills, fever, etc. Had my Rad SIM appointment anyway this week so onward I go. Hair is still falling out and there's not much "fringe" left to look very exciting under hats anymore! So happy for all of you who have fuzz starting to appear.
Hugs to all - have a good, SE free week.
Sandy
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Marilyn I too am so sorry about your doggie. It is a terrible thing, especially now. Thinking of you and hugs.
Yesterday I spoke with the gal that replaced me at work, we are gettin together for lunch in a few weeks. Also spoke with my old boss, who has not initiated contact with me for over a month. I am sad for him, because my experience has taught him zip. ObssessiveWork work work, argue with fools all day, make tons of money but needs none of it. What a waste.
Anyhoo, the cooking olympics at my house continue today. Made meatloaf for hubby last night. Today it is a oven pot roast and a dump cake! Going to freeze alot for next week's post chemo hell. For some reason cake always tastes good....
Hope everyone is doing good today and no SE.
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The house cleaning went well. I don't clean often enough or deeply enough, so anything they did would be awesome.
It was nice to have it done, and they'll come back once a month for three more months, all for free. I'm determined to make today a better day. Yesterday was terrible, and it included an argument with my daughter who felt terrible that she had even upset me to begin with. Which then led me to feeling like a terrible mother. Ugh. Things are better this morning though. It's my last day before chemo #5 tomorrow, so I'm going to make the best of it. I have to follow up on my disability paperwork, as what was submitted has an expected return to work date of 12/1/14. I don't think so! So I need to get that sorted out. Did I read here or on another thread about watery eyes being a sign of dry eyes? I got some artificial tears yesterday to see if that will help, as they water all the time. I think it's due to the taxotere. I look bad enough without this going on too.
Bippy, have fun cooking today!
Sandy, that infection sounds painful.
Catie57, I'm so happy for you to have your last infusion in just two days. You made it!!!
Amy, I hope you're feeling better today.
Angie, hoping your counts are good and that you're able to get your next infusion today.
Have a good day, everyone. Each day is one day closer to getting rid of the cancer and getting back to our lives!!!
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Bippy= you are funny. I still have crappy taste buds and barely eat. Everything taste horrible. You amaze me.
Went to pet scan at 6:30am. Had the nicest tech in the world. He told me my scan was 100% clear. Even took me in the back to show me my scan. I thought I was going to burst out in tears. I was SO anxious about this scan. Fear they will find something else. OH NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am feeling so much better today. Had a pain in my groin last night. Swore my cancer had spread. I am exhausted today. Being anxious takes a lot of energy.
Cassicat= Glad you are feeling better today.
Mullerin. So sorry about your beloved dog. My dog died 2 years ago and I still mourn her. That is her picture where my name is. I miss my Haley Jean so much!!!
Catie 58=Feel better and I hope your UTI clears up
Angie=happy belated birthday.
If I missed anyone sorry. My mind is on the blink these days.
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Ellenpg - So glad the pet scan was all clear. Really good news. Sorry your taste buds are still off. I really benefitted from sucking on ice last 2 infusions. I do when they are actually giving the Taxotere and cytoxin. Cassie - what a nice feeling to have your house cleaned. You said it was free. I am guessing it was a gift from someone. Either way, nice!
Bipsy - My mouth is watering. Enjoy those wonderful sounding meals. I made a big pot of chicken soup the other day. I know I can usually eat that the week after treatment.
LadyB - Hoping all went well today for you.
I had my blood work done after work today.
Wishing everyone minimal SEs this week.
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